Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.
Recalls
Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.
Airbags recall
An incorrectly folded air bag can deploy with too much force, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69AY.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Exterior lighting recall
Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94L9.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Airbags recall
In an event of a side impact crash, an incorrect side airbag may not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen has inspected and replaced the side air bags, free of charge. The recall was completed in April 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Y8.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Owner complaints by system
Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.
Engine & powertrain
6
Most reports here involve fluid leaks.
Read full complaint
While driving and after, we noticed gas fumes both inside and outside of vehicle. The gas tank was approximately half full. Became very concerned over the the possibility of a fire. Did research online and realized that this was and is a common problem with older models of the Passad (ours is a 2020 model that we bought new and had zero accidents) plus Jetta and Golf models. We took it to a VW Dealer (Ken Graff VW Gilbert, AZ ) nearest our home for fear of a fire hazard and safety. They repaired it stating that the gas tank had various creaks neasr the top of the tank which allowed fumes to be released. My cost to repair was approximately $1,100 which for a vehicle with some 62,000 miles and no accidents seems to be concerning. The service advisor stated not covered under warranty or not under a recall notice. Thjs is plainly wrong and is certainly a fire hazard. Thank you for looking into this important issue.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11759077 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Electrical & infotainment
2
Most reports here involve software faults.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11760236 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Brakes
4
Most reports here involve loss of braking.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11763407 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Steering, suspension & tires
3
Most reports here involve sudden stalling.
Read full complaint
Steering wheel controls stopped working, no horn either. Probably no airbag but haven't got into an accident. There was recall on the same part for the until 2018, but the new part I was going to install lists that if fits cars 2016-2022 Part # 5K0-953-569-BC Recall from VW. Number: VWP-18-11, Will replace part for my fiance,
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11705961 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Airbags & seat belts
3
Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11648696 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
How does it compare with other years? The 2020 has 18 complaints on file, more than the 2019 (12) and more than the 2022 (13). Of the 12 model years of the Volkswagen Passat we cover, the 2013 has the most (748). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.